City Ministry Blog

​In 1990, the U.S. Congress established the first week of October as Mental Illness Awareness Week and this year October 10 is World Mental Health Day. The goal then and now is to end the stigma associated with Mental health challenges and to “ensure better understanding and provide access to diagnosis and treatment.”

People with mental problems are our neighbors. They are members of our congregations, members of our families; they are everywhere in this country. If we ignore their cries for help, we will be continuing to participate in the anguish from which those cries for help come. A problem of this magnitude will not go away. Because it will not go away, and because of our spiritual commitments, we are compelled to take action.Rosalynn Carter

“Nothing about us without us!”

As Trinity English continues to expand worship and engagement opportunities, we are having conversations that encourage people from our community to share their thoughts and feelings about what defines a safe and welcoming space for them. A person with autism, might define that differently than one who is not identified as being on the spectrum. A teen struggling with thoughts of suicide might want to withdraw from church and become isolated. A veteran with PTSD might wrestle with painful memories and fear. Perhaps acknowledging who is around us and who is missing are equally important. For many of us, bright spaces and singing hymns, sitting still for a sermon, having silent time for prayer, sharing the peace, and being in a large crowded sanctuary make us anxious or worse. Perhaps we can take the first step in being a welcoming community by being tolerant of those who find some of these practices to be uncomfortable. One way to affirm another’s presence is to simply smile.

Please help us to actively listen and respond to the one in four among us who struggle with challenges of mental well-being and brain disorders. If you, or someone you love is experiencing distress, Trinity English’s pastors, staff and volunteers want to walk with you on your journey, not as mental health professionals, but as companions on journeys toward wholeness and healing.​“If we are willing to embrace the challenge of becoming whole, we can’t do it alone. At least not for long. We need trustworthy relationships to sustain us in the journey toward an undivided life. Rejoining soul and role requires community- a circle of trust.”Parker Palmer

Going back to school is not supposed to be traumatic, but it can be quite a stressful time for students, parents, and teachers. Trauma is a complicated part of life and each of us experiences it at some time or another. Research tells us that persons experiencing poverty live with higher levels of trauma, which affects every aspect of our being. South Wayne Elementary, our Study Connection Partner, has 97% of their students living at or below the poverty level. Consequently, they are using a trauma-informed model for their school. Trauma sensitive schools know that the challenges their students face at home significantly impact their behavior and potential to learn. Being mindful of body language, tone of voice, maintaining bright welcoming spaces, and other strategies can help students feel safe and secure. Leading with kindness and a smile establishes a memorable model we all can follow.

The financial strain of buying the basic necessities of clothing and school supplies can be a hardship both for families and for teachers who want their students to feel the dignity of having new clothes and supplies.

​Unfortunately, this sometimes is accomplished by teachers buying their students emergency clothing items to prevent bullying, absenteeism and related problems. On August 19, 2018 Trinity English Lutheran Church will have a silent auction to raise money for the teachers at South Wayne Elementary School. All funds raised at the Silent Auction will be given to South Wayne's teachers to support their efforts in buying students' shoes, socks, underwear and other necessities. ​​

Our Study Connection program has proven to be a highly effective way to remind our South Wayne students that they are loved and respected. We are recruiting additional volunteers again this year because we believe that raising healthy, well-educated children is a responsibility we share as a community. Please contact Shirley Jordan, our Study Connection facilitator if you would like to learn more at shurt7@comcast.net.

O God, give us strength to work hard, guidance to work effectively, words to inspire and nourish, and a spirit of cooperation for our children's greater good.​- Marian Wright Edelman

We are nearing the end of a significant observation during the month of May. Mental Health Awareness Month was designated to bring light to the challenges faced by individuals living with brain illnesses, and the community supports that are available for them and their families. This year's focus is entitled Risky Business to highlight the behaviors that can compromise one's health and overall sense of wellbeing. In response to these risks, Mental Health America and NAMI Faithnet (The National Alliance on Mental Illness) have created a behavioral strategy for combatting these risks.

In addition to the risks that are mentioned, we'd like to explore an additional risk: When we discuss persons living with mental health challenges, it's easy to fall into language that stigmatizes rather than supports. WORDS CAN and DO HURT!Trinity English is hoping to provide an ongoing safe setting where such risks can be addressed in a variety of ways. Perhaps we can begin by examining the language we use.

It requires discipline to change our language. Let's think of it as mental exercise! By using intentional language we rethink how one's personhood is primary and a diagnosis or health condition is much farther down the list. Let's do more than just exercise our mindfulness muscle. Let's tone it by listening mindfully, as well. When we hear stigmatizing language, let's identify it and replace it with language that reflects far more than tolerance. Let us love one another - beginning with our words, and see the individual, name the person, as a beloved child of God, first and always.

Want to explore how to fight the stigma of brain illness? Let's continue the conversation together.

April is a month that often conjures thoughts of baseball games, green grass, and opening the windows to let the sunshine in... and the winter coodies out! However, many do not necessarily think of April as being Sexual Assault Awareness Month.

No one should ever feel they must walk alone following trauma.

In the same way that Jesus accompanied all who suffered, our community of faith at Trinity English seeks to create a safe setting where companionship may occur: to hear stories, pray, and walk along side anyone who is carrying a burden, including persons with troubling experiences that often remain hidden secrets. We respect the fact that there is a critical distinction between companionship and professional counseling. Consequently, we regularly refer those seeking professional assistance to local counselors at various mental and behavioral health agencies, including Lutheran Social Services, Safe Harbour Counseling, Park Center, The Bowen Center, and others. ​Please join us in donatingto our valued community partner, and pray with us that, as a community of faith, we may create safe spaces where all who live with painful life experience will find peace, hope, and renewal.

It is never our intention to trigger painful emotions or memories. Consequently, we often steer clear of discussing difficult topics such as sexual assault entirely, and the result unfortunately, is that stereotypes and stigma surrounding these topics are perpetuated, and persons affected by sexual assault remain isolated without the benefit of appropriate support, counseling, healthcare, or spiritual companionship.If discussions surrounding sexual assault prompt the need to speak with a professional:

The National Sexual Assault Hotline is 1. 800.656.HOPE (4673)

Discussions about the "Me Too" movement and reports of sexual misconduct have increased markedly in recent months. We are blessed to have an invaluable resource in Fort Wayne to care for individuals who have experienced an attack of this nature. The Fort Wayne Sexual Assault Treatment Center is a valued community partner of Trinity English Lutheran Church, largely because their forensic nurses embody compassionate, professional, and confidential care for their patients of all ages.

Why is bamboo used as the logo ​of the Fort Wayne Sexual Assault Treatment Center?

"By bending with the wind or the storm it can weather these rough moments, to emerge whole and stronger afterwards. We would do well to take this lesson from bamboo, when a stronger force confronts us, do not meet it headlong, find a way to bend and overcome; by so doing you too will emerge whole and stronger." Orlando Sanchez

A young woman (we will call her Sara) who had moved here from another state after being sexually assaulted came into our church. She spoke quietly and was noticeably concerned for her safety, as she was looking around to make sure her voice could not be heard by others. Her story was like that of many others. She was a survivor of rape and domestic abuse. The violence she had experienced had shut her down physically, psychologically, and spiritually.But, Sara had walked into our church seeking food and a few other resources. In God's house, in this safe place her story unfolded and we listened, prayed, and helped connect her to a counseling agency specializing in trauma informed care. She could start again with community supports, knowing we were praying with and for her and her family. We asked Sara to promise to come back, if she felt comfortable doing so, and let us know how she was getting along.

We are aware that conversations about sexual assault can be difficult, unsettling, painful, and sometimes debilitating. By continuing to bring these conversations into the daily lives of our community in safe settings, we hope more people will find the compassion, spiritual reassurance, support, treatment, education, and professional counseling that is needed.

With Healing and Peace

God is in the midst of the peoplewith healing, with healing,and good.As testimony stands the empty crosssign of the wounded healerGod's good released into the world released for all,for healing, for healingfor good.Not bound to one person in union with God,two thousand years ago-but released for nowfor the fair laying of handsfor the sweet melodies of peacenot bound to one place,rocky and high,thousands of miles away-but released for hereGod's good released into the worldfor these handsfor these heartsfor these voicesfor healing,for healingand peace.

Lent can be a season filled with paradox, which may in fact seem fitting as the Bible relies heavily on meanings that are revealed through incongruities.

It is more blessed to give than receive.

If you want to be wise, you must be a fool.

To be first, you have to be last.

To be great, you must be a slave. (Regis Nicoll)

Take for example the humble Hellebore, aka The Lenten Rose. Its poisonous nature prevents deer and others from consuming it, so that it may flourish under the most challenging weather conditions. Known for its evergreen like hardiness, Hellebores'rose-like appearance often springs forth as the herald announcing winter's end. Hallelujah!

As we engage with our community partners for Lent, we are asking them to submit prayer requests that represent the journeys of their clients and staff. These prayers will be included in our Prayer Vigil during Holy Week.Professionals often sacrifice much to walk along side those who have experienced, trauma, loss, hardship, violence, prolonged periods of great stress, and more. However, many of our community's outreach representatives and volunteers will be the first to share that they are daily inspired by the stories of the same clients who have experienced life's challenges and later used their trials to support others who are traversing similar treacherous paths. Those with "lived experience" can be highly sensitive and aware of hidden potential and hope in the midst of pain or difficulty. Surely, blanket statements need not be made about the necessity of trials to build character or grit. Perhaps we can say that through grace, God can often find ways for us to be a blessing. Once again we are reminded, that in Christ, there is no us or them. ​​Saint Augustine of Hippo prayed these words:

​​God of our life,there are days when the burdens we carry chafe our shoulders and weigh us down; when the road seems dreary and endless, the skies gray and threatening; when our lives have no music in them, and our hearts are lonely,and our souls have lost their courage.Flood the path with light,turn our eyes to where the skies are full of promise; tune our hearts to brave music;give us the sense of comradeshipwith heroes and saints of every age;and so quicken our spiritsthat we may be able to encourage the souls of all who journey with us on the road of life,to your honor and glory.Let my soul take refuge. Amen.​St. Augustine of Hippo

On this Lenten journey, may the Holy Spirit be present with each of us as we engage in conversations that open us up to listening for brave music, companionship, and love.

This is a vision board

DO YOU HAVE A DREAM?

On the celebration of Dr. King's birthday we recall his infamous words. Do you suppose he might have had a Vision Board similar to the one pictured above?​​The concept is not new, even Oprah endorsed the practice. Displaying one's vision for the future was perhaps first accomplished by cave dwellers who documented on cave walls what they hoped their future would look like. While the new year is often a time to make resolutions, perhaps January 2018 can be a time to creatively identify those qualities that lead to fulfillment of dreams, hopes and aspirations...perhaps for more than just ourselves.

​Martin Luther King, Jr. was known for many inspirational quotes, among them,

"Life's persistent and urgent question is 'What are you doing for others?'"

WHAT might we act upon from our vision board that allows us to realize Dr. King's dream, as well as our own?

HOW might our daily routines allow us to

anticipate opportunities to engage with others

cultivate kindness

activate a change that allows us to lead with compassion?​​

​WHERE is there room in our routines at work, at church, and in our community to be agents of change, with VISION.

An individual has not started living until one can rise above the narrow confines of individualistic concerns to the broader concerns of all humanity. MLK, Jr.

We hear frequently that the dreams of our community's seniors are not being realized as they anticipated. Many are raising grandchildren and great grandchildren. In January 2018 Trinity is beginning our Grands' Cafe, an opportunity for information and idea sharing, respite and support for grandparents raising grandchildren. In many cases this is the new face of an American Family.

Our Advent devotions this season are from a collection entitled Sacred Space. I was taken with this title because we use this expression frequently in the context of our prayers during our Assistance Hours. When individuals share their concerns about food, clothing, shelter, illness, family, etc., we thank God for being present in,"this sacred space," where we remind one another that God is listening, holding us close, and sending us forward with the hope of Christ.

Resourcing opportunities at Trinity English have expanded greatly this year. On Mondays and Fridays our Partners from United Way, Bright Point and Park Center are present to provide assessments to persons seeking permanent supportive housing through The Coordinated Entry Program. On Tuesdays and Thursdays during Trinity English's Assistance Hours, The Network for Safe Families is in our building to meet with parents and grandparents to help establish connections with community partners as families get back on track. Our volunteers such as Mary McDonald, Bob Gasser and others are also helping to listen, pray and support persons in transition. The Open Doors volunteers on Wayne Street also provide a warm welcome to passers by to rest, pray, or take a quiet break. Our goal is to create Sacred Safe Space for every person who enters our building.

Angel Tree 2018

Please join us this year as we collect money to provide new beds and bedding for the Rescue Mission. To give towards the Angel Tree Ministry, click here.

Can you identify your Sacred Space? We pray your advent is filled with opportunities to reflect, rejoice, and be renewed while we wait and watch as Jesus fills our hearts, and spaces.

FOOD FOR THE MINDTurning the page on a calendar is a time when we are reminded to acknowledge our blessings, and give thanks for God’s impact on our lives. OCTOBER marked our first opportunity to sponsor the Out of the Darkness Walk in Headwaters Park. Thousands of participants, including Trinity’s volunteers, walked side by side with survivors of family and friends who died by suicide. Discussions and community eventssuch as this provide a starting point for removing stigma from conversations about mental illness. We are called to create safe spaces and accompany all of God’s people, even into dark places where depression, anxiety and hopelessness can seem overwhelming.

Thank you, God,For illuminating our lives and enabling us to be beacons of your love,​especially when shadows dim the path toward hope.

​SUSTENANCE FOR THE BODYThanksgiving can be our prompt to promote healthy ​eating practices- or not! Please consider donating to our Holiday Meal Drive this month as we feed members and neighbors with nutritious meals. Envelopes and online opportunities are provided for giving.

SPIRITUAL CAREOn November 8, 2017 more than a dozen of Trinity’s members and staff will be attending The Lutheran Foundation’s Speak Up conference on The Church and Mental Health.

We will be engaging with nationally known speakers and local professionals to discuss the often difficult topics of mental and behavioral health, the church’s role in supporting and advocating for persons with mental illness, and creating opportunities for developing mental health ministries in congregations.

​We welcome your participation in Trinity's City Ministry events. Please be aware of upcoming partnership opportunities for Angel Tree Donations, our Grandmothers Support Group and Charis House Companionship Ministry.

In 2009, following innovative renovations, an alley on Washington Boulevard became a welcoming entrance to one of Fort Wayne's largest churches in the heart of the city. When form truly blended with function, the doors to Trinity English Lutheran Church were opened to many in the city's streets and suburbs who were grappling with life's challenges. This was at a time when Fort Wayne's downtown infrastructure was undergoing significant revitalization.

Author

Janet Jordan Altmeyer is The Director of City Ministry at Trinity English Lutheran Church. Her masters and bachelors degrees focused on emotional handicaps, learning differences, neurological impairment, and religious studies.

Over time, more people ventured into Trinity's bright open spaces where personal stories were shared with pastors and lay leaders, access to community resources became a bit more attainable, and with prayer as an anchor, trusting relationships evolved. Trinity English's Caring Ministries, directed by Pastor Kathleen Haller, encompassed members and neighbors, clergy and staff, employed and unemployed, thriving and struggling, affiliated and alone, all loved by God and all called to love. Divisions between us and them continued to diminish as we appreciated one another as mutual travelers on the journey.

Opportunities to engage with community partners noticeably increased and intensified as we worked to connect persons experiencing life challenges with sustainable support systems. We decided to see if our community of faith at Trinity English could engage more directly with persons in transition, to accompany and support one another with the hope of Christ, via a dedicated City Ministry.

Here, in the heart of Fort Wayne, IN with a Priesthood of All Believers; ​Now, when our city is asking communities of faith to take a more prominent leadership role in advocating for our more vulnerable, especially those living with undiagnosed mental illness, poverty, homelessness, trauma, unemployment, and underemployment, let's take one more step forward as partners in Christ, prepared to follow where God is leading.